Pro Basketball: Jameer Nelson Glad To Be Visiting Hometown Area Again

(Jameer Nelson shoots against Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks in game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA playoffs on April 28th. Copyright 2011 NBAE; photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A star at St. Joe’s, Jameer Nelson was one of the greatest players to ever lace them up in the Big 5.

Few will ever forget his 2003-2004 season for the Hawks as they spent time as the #1 team in the nation, finished the regular season 27-0, and advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament.

Since then, Nelson has been a first-round NBA draft pick and has put together a very good pro career with the Orlando Magic.

This week, the Chester, Pa. native returned to Philadelphia as part of the “Reebok Breakout Challenge,” a basketball camp for elite high school players being held at Philadelphia University (see related story).

Nelson says it’s always good to be back in the Philadelphia area.

“I come back quite often,” he says. “Just kind of work out, hang out with my family and friends, and just relax for the most part.”

Nelson, 29, has spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Magic, averaging 12.5 points and 4.9 assists per game while emerging as one of the league’s best point guards.

Still, he takes his success in stride.

“So far so good. I think so far I’ve been somewhat successful. Been on great teams, and I’m very fortunate for that. You know, on great teams you get noticed and you’re on TV a lot. Everybody wants to be on TV, so it’s fun doing that. Individually, I think I’m having a pretty good career, so I’m satisfied right now, but I want to get better and obviously win a championship.”Listen to Matt Leon’s full interview with Jameer Nelson in this CBS Philly SportsPod…

Coming on board at KYW was a homecoming for Matt Leon. Born and raised in southern New Jersey, Matt is a radio veteran who moved away from the Delaware Valley for several years before returning to join the Newsradio team.
A 1992 graduate of...